Salary Needed to Live in Tacoma as a Family
A family of four (2 adults, 2 children) needs approximately $72,041/year to live comfortably in Tacoma, WA — including 15% savings.
Comfortable Salary
$72,041
with 15% savings
Bare Minimum
$57,238
no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$3,482
19% above national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Family in Tacoma
| Expense | Tacoma | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 3BR Apartment/House Rent | $289 | $209 | +38% |
| 🛒 Groceries | $53 | $44 | +20% |
| ⚡ Utilities | $28 | $28 | 0% |
| 🚗 Transportation | $43 | $44 | -2% |
| 🛡️ Car Insurance | $209 | $215 | -3% |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | $64 | $54 | +19% |
| Childcare/After-school | $1,440 | $1,200 | +20% |
| Internet + Phones | $216 | $180 | +20% |
| Children Activities | $300 | $250 | +20% |
| Dining Out | $420 | $350 | +20% |
| School Supplies & Clothing | $240 | $200 | +20% |
| Healthcare Co-pays | $180 | $150 | +20% |
| Total Monthly | $3,482 | $2,924 | +19% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$3,482
Target savings (15%):$773/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$4,255
Effective tax rate:27%
Gross annual salary needed:$72,041
Other Household Types in Tacoma
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a family with kids need in Tacoma?
A family with kids needs approximately $72,041/year ($6,003/month gross) to live comfortably in Tacoma with a 15% savings rate.
How much is rent for a family with kids in Tacoma?
A 3br apartment/house in Tacoma costs approximately $289/month, which is the largest single expense at 8% of the total budget.
Is Tacoma affordable for a family with kids?
Tacoma is above the national average for family with kids living costs, requiring 19% more salary than the US median.